Swain County adamantly opposes wilderness designations
U.S. Forest Service rangers got an earful from Swain County residents last week during a public hearing regarding the proposed Forest Management Plan.
N.C. residents in for big tax cuts if budget passes
Assuming a legislative override of Gov. Roy Cooper’s budget veto — which happened as The Smoky Mountain News went to press June 27 — North Carolinians could be in for a slew of tax cuts that will save state residents by one estimate more than $530 million over two years when they take effect in 2019.
Maggie Valley adopts tight budget with small tax increase
Haywood County’s 2017 property revaluation was like a bucket of cold water in the face of every local government official in the county, but nowhere more so than Maggie Valley.
Macon County revenues up across the board
The Macon County commissioners have some challenges in balancing the proposed 2017-18 budget, but County Manager Derek Roland said those challenges are the same ones every local government is facing right now.
Bryson City to maintain tax rate, increase service fees
With an annual budget of only about $2.9 million, the town of Bryson City doesn’t have much wiggle room when it comes to cutting expenses or allocating funds for major projects.
Tiers of joy and sadness: State’s designation for Haywood brings mixed feelings
A recent designation by the North Carolina Department of Commerce could have a detrimental impact on Haywood County’s economic development efforts.
A Tale of Two Cities: Canton, Maggie Valley chart different budget courses
Each year, counties and municipalities must pass their upcoming year’s budget by July 1.
Small increase proposed for Haywood budget
A recovering economy and low unemployment along with a 30 percent increase in tourist spending since 2011 has kept Haywood County in decent financial shape, but a few large expenses — married with the everyday needs of a 60,000-resident county — means a tax hike may be coming.
Swain fights to change school funding formula
While many local school districts are struggling to make ends meet these days, Swain County Schools is facing a much steeper battle to qualify for state and federal funds the district feels its students deserve.
“We’re struggling as most boards are trying to look at our financial situation and fund things we crucially need,” said Superintendent Sam Pattillo.
Lopsided allocation favors SCC project over Jackson County Schools
Jackson County Schools has found itself at the back of the line to get a piece of the quarter-cent sales tax voters passed last year.